Family violence has long been considered a private issue, but by encouraging discussion and education, communities can better understand what family violence is, how it impacts women and children in the Loddon Mallee Region, and how we can work together to stop violence before it starts.
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee (WHLM) and Goldfields Library Corporation launched a colorful fiberglass elephant at the Bendigo Goldfields Library last week, designed to provoke conversation, and reduce the shame, stigma, and secrecy surrounding family violence.
The Elephant in the Room project features words and drawings by women victim survivors of family violence, one side focusing on the damage caused by family violence, the other side highlighting the hope, strength, and resilience of women recovering from abuse.
“By working together to build an awareness and understanding of how to stop violence before it starts in a wide variety of workplaces and community settings, we will see the change needed to stop violence before it starts.”
— Tricia Currie, CEO WHLM
Primary Prevention of Violence Against Women in the Region
WHLM is committed to ending violence against women in the Loddon Mallee. Our vision is a region where women and children live free from violence, in communities that actively support and champion gender equality.
WHLM established the Collective Action for Respect and Equality Partnership in 2020 to build workforce capacity and support organisations in the region to engage in activities and initiatives that, collectively, contribute to primary prevention of violence against women. Learn more about the Collective Action for Respect and Equality HERE.
For more information about the prevalence of violence against women in our region visit Violence Against Women Stats + Facts.
About Goldfields Library Corporation:
Goldfields Library Corporation are proud CARE Partners in the regional partnership for the primary prevention of violence against women. As part of their commitment to Collective Action for Respect and Equality they are hosting the Elephant in the Room in the lead up to the 16 days of Activism global campaign. 16 days of Activism runs from November 25th to December 10th to raise awareness and encourage action towards ending violence against women and girls.
“Libraries don’t shy away from tricky conversations. Bendigo Library is proud to be a space where all of us can check out the truth behind what we are hearing, and safely discuss the issues that confront us. The Elephant in the Room is a powerful visual signpost that we hope will stimulate plenty of community talk about men’s violence towards women and children.”
-Robin Pearson, Manager Bendigo Library
If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, contact one of the services listed in our local directory.
